Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Copenhagen: The Scandinavian Wonder Past Review

By (Sociology, Ramapo College) - abroad from 08/15/2015 to 12/13/2015 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This trip was absolutely worthwhile. I am a commuter at home, and have never lived at school, but that was just a tiny part of the program. I learned more and did more hands-on learning in Copenhagen, and got valuable lessons from our field studies and study tours that I will never forget. Not only that, the things I saw will live with me forever, and I didn't even get to see all the places I wanted. I will be going back to Europe for a long trip. I made friends that I will definitely keep in touch with, and professors who I will keep in touch with and hopefully see again. They all cared a lot about our learning and as long as you put in the effort, they would work with you and make sure that you do your best.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes contained the perfect amount of work, not too much, but not too little. I was able to learn more about the culture in Copenhagen due to this

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Apartment was in good shape when I arrived and had nice amenities

* Food:

Food was not supplied, I made my own meals

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt that I had a pretty good understanding of the culture, but wish I knew the language

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare was mediocre. My doctor did not speak English well and would not make an appointment over the phone, so while I was sick I had to ride my bike in the cold and rain to get to the doctor's office and make an appointment. Also, the doctor did not really care for sanitization, meaning he didn't use gloves when checking my throat when I had a sore throat, and the same tongue depressor was used, then placed on his desk, and picked up again and used by someone else to look into my mouth again. I did not need any vaccines prior to going.

* Safety:

I never felt that safety was an issue in Copenhagen. There was always a police presence and crime was rarely ever heard of

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Copenhagen is an expensive city and I usually made about a $300 withdrawal every other week or so, sometimes more often, sometimes less

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget for nights out, bring only a certain amount of money with you, and buy groceries more in bulk so they last longer and they are cheaper

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Classes were interesting
  • Traveling freedom throughout the semester
  • Study tours
* What could be improved?
  • Better internet connection in the academic buildings
  • More help from SRA's when there are problems
  • Better chairs in classrooms
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I can't think of anything, I did a lot of research before leaving

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!